Violence Intervention Program (VIP) - Baltimore
An Evidence-Based Practice
Description
The Violence Intervention Program (VIP) is an evidence-based program started by Dr. Carnell Cooper at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Dr. Cooper started VIP in response to seeing victims of traumatic violent injuries be readmitted to the hospital for subsequent, and often more violent injuries. In Baltimore, violence is the leading cause of death for young adults and is widely recognized as a public health issue.
Using eight different risk factors that were identified through a case-control study, VIP staff identifies patients who meet criteria for the program and pair them with a case manager. An individualized action plan is then developed to reduce risk factors connected to violent re-offenses. Multi-disciplinary relationships are also formed with parole or probation officers and peer support groups to ensure the participant has a strong support structure in place. Based on the idea that success for every participant will occur over different lengths of time and that setbacks may happen, program services are not limited to a finite period of time. Continued involvement in the program is determined by the level of engagement from the participant, the complexity of their problems, and the continued involvement of support systems.
Using eight different risk factors that were identified through a case-control study, VIP staff identifies patients who meet criteria for the program and pair them with a case manager. An individualized action plan is then developed to reduce risk factors connected to violent re-offenses. Multi-disciplinary relationships are also formed with parole or probation officers and peer support groups to ensure the participant has a strong support structure in place. Based on the idea that success for every participant will occur over different lengths of time and that setbacks may happen, program services are not limited to a finite period of time. Continued involvement in the program is determined by the level of engagement from the participant, the complexity of their problems, and the continued involvement of support systems.
Goal / Mission
The goal of the Violence Intervention Program (VIP) is to reduce the number of repeat victims of intentional violent injury by providing assessment, counseling, and social support from a multi-disciplinary team.
Impact
Patients who participated in the Violence Intervention Program were less likely to be re-hospitalized due to violent injury.
Results / Accomplishments
A three-year randomized control study was conducted in 2000 to assess the impact of VIP. Victims of violent trauma were randomly assigned to an intervention group which received VIP services (n=56) or a control group which received standard medical treatment (n=44). Results of the study found an 83% decrease in repeat hospitalization due to violent injury, and a 75% reduction in violent criminal activity for VIP participants. Employment rate at the time of follow-up was 82% for VIP participants as compared with 20% for those not receiving the intervention.
Beginning in 2008, VIP proposed plans to expand the scope of their services citywide. To date, written commitments have been obtained from seven Baltimore-area hospitals including Johns-Hopkins Bayview, Bon Secours, and Sinai. The expanded program plan is also supported by the Baltimore City Policy Commissioner, the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Baltimore City Health Department, and the Health Services Cost Review Commission.
Beginning in 2008, VIP proposed plans to expand the scope of their services citywide. To date, written commitments have been obtained from seven Baltimore-area hospitals including Johns-Hopkins Bayview, Bon Secours, and Sinai. The expanded program plan is also supported by the Baltimore City Policy Commissioner, the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Baltimore City Health Department, and the Health Services Cost Review Commission.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
University of Maryland Medical Center, Shock Trauma Center
Primary Contact
Topics
Community / Crime & Crime Prevention
Health / Prevention & Safety
Health / Health Care Access & Quality
Health / Prevention & Safety
Health / Health Care Access & Quality
Organization(s)
University of Maryland Medical Center, Shock Trauma Center
Source
National Network of Hospital-based Violence Intervention Programs
Date of publication
Sep 2006
Date of implementation
1998
Geographic Type
Urban
Location
Baltimore, MD
For more details
Target Audience
Teens, Adults, Men, Racial/Ethnic Minorities